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Related Experiment Videos

Phenanthrene biodegradation in freshwater environments.

T W Sherrill1, G S Sayler

  • 1Department of Microbiology and The Graduate Program in Ecology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37916.

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|January 1, 1980
PubMed
Summary
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Indigenous microbes in Tennessee reservoirs significantly degraded phenanthrene (a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) by 80% in four weeks. Biodegradation rates varied based on site characteristics and pollution history.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental microbiology
  • Bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Background:

  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are environmental pollutants.
  • Microbial communities play a role in PAH degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the biodegradation potential of indigenous microbial populations for phenanthrene in Tennessee reservoir water.
  • To identify factors influencing PAH biodegradation.

Main Methods:

  • Incubation of phenanthrene with reservoir water samples.
  • Comparison of substrate recovery in degradation flasks versus sterile controls.
  • Analysis of physical, chemical, and microbiological site characteristics.

Main Results:

  • Mean phenanthrene biodegradation reached approximately 80% after a 4-week incubation.

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  • Site-specific characteristics explained 45% of biodegradation variability.
  • Degradation correlated with historical pollution, incubation time, temperature, and PAH molecular size.

    • Conclusions:

    • Indigenous microbial populations in Tennessee reservoirs demonstrate significant potential for phenanthrene biodegradation.
    • Environmental factors and site history are critical determinants of PAH bioremediation efficiency.